July 10, 2007

~BAR DRAKE~ is a new glam lobby bar opening July 12 in the historic Sir Francis Drake Hotel—it will have a 1920s vibe and classic cocktail list crafted by fab mixologist Jacques Bezuidenhout. Jacques’s drinks menu will include some updates on classics like the Sazerac (j’adore) and the Manhattan (I love you too), plus some signatures like the Bar Drake Manhattan with Woodford Reserve Bourbon, port, Angostura bitters, and maple syrup, and the Tommy Gun, made with Tullamore Dew Irish Whisky, Grand Marnier, and shaken with apricot jam, lemon juice, and fresh ginger. There will also be some bar bites available, like goat cheese and chive profiteroles, and salumi and fennel pickles.

The 36-seat lobby (designed by The Puccini Group) will have swank new furniture upholstered in brown velvet, embossed brown leather, and gold and brown checks, plus a new carpet and chandeliers with red crystals and lampshades. The bar top is made of a single slab of solid walnut, and an antique-mirrored back bar laden with scotches and American whiskies will command attention (and elicit desire, I am sure).

There are also some rumors of a secret room, which was built between floors and accessible by only one locked elevator—one can only imagine what went on in there since the hotel was built in 1928, during the height of Prohibition. Boozing, perhaps?